Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 166

As Bridget hinted at something underhanded, all eyes around the conference table turned towards Sylvia, some clearly eager to witness a spectacle. Sylvia steadied herself on the table as she slowly stood. "Sorry, my legs are a bit numb."

"Thank you for your concern, Ms. Simpson," Sylvia continued, her voice steady and composed, "like you, I've prepared a digital copy of my work."

With that, the atmosphere shifted. Sylvia pulled out a USB drive, leaving Bridget momentarily stiff, her gaze snapping to Sylvia in surprise.

More intriguing, though, was Christine's expression-calm and collected.

After all, Christine had seen Sylvia's designs. Unless Sylvia had a sudden burst of inspiration in the past hour, there was no way she could come up with anything impressive. However, as the screen displayed Sylvia's design, Christine's eyes widened in disbelief.

"My theme is...water," Sylvia confidently began her presentation.

"Everyone knows of Bailey's thunderous methods, but it was a rainstorm at the manor that showed me Bailey's gentler side.

So, inspired by the falling raindrops, I designed this necklace set. The necklace features an asymmetric design, with pearls of varying sizes that exude gentle elegance and depth.

The brooch complements it, crafted with a platinum framework. Its smooth, flowing lines mimic a ribbon, adorned with gradually fading pink and blue gems, culminating in a Sunny Pearl at its heart. The colors soften toward the edges, ending with a teardrop-shaped diamond at the ribbon's tip.

It's a reflection of dew under a misty mountain haze, versatile enough to be worn separately or paired with the necklace."

Sylvia ended her presentation with a faint smile, casting a glance at Christine.

Christine clenched her fists, her knuckles whitening as confusion clouded her face- clearly unable to pinpoint where she had gone wrong.

On one hand, she played the role of the office rookie in front of Sylvia, while on the other, she pointed out Bridget's targeted behavior towards Sylvia with pinpoint accuracy. Such contradictory behavior was bound to raise suspicions.

Her mistake was being too eager.

After all, Sylvia had actually been 'reborn from the ashes' once before; she wasn't going to take sudden kindness at face value.

But did Bailey even need rebirth?

Remember, she's the one who dines with businessmen like Rupert. All she needs is one word: beauty.

Christine, on the other hand, chose a

fiery element for her jewelry designs - relying on a set of pretty words and appearances that would please anyone. Especially since she had always been moderate in her actions, her sudden standout

to dazzle.

performance was bounds

So, Sylvia decided to go against the grain and douse Christine's flames. Even without Christine's theme, Sylvia's designs would have been special But Christine's eagerness to impress only served to elevate Sylvia's work.

As the presentation concluded, Bailey and Eloise led the applause.

Sylvia nodded graciously. "Thank you."

She then sat down across from Christine and Bridget, her smile bright and captivating.

After a moment, Eloise and Bailey stood. "Let's discuss this further. We'll take a ten-minute break," Eloise announced before leading Bailey to her office. The room started to clear, leaving Sylvia, Bridget, and Christine alone.

Bridget turned to Christine, clapping sarcastically. "What a performance, Christine. I must say, I underestimated you."

Christine, hands clasped, looked down. "Ms. Simpson, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't know? That's okay. Just remember, you lost to me again. Bridget's usual gentle expression was replaced by a smug arrogance as she then turned to Sylvia. You too"

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Sylvia remained silent, unbothered.

Ten minutes later, Eloise and Bailey returned to the room.

Ꮧ Ꭺ Ꮪ

Bailey scanned the three women, her gaze finally resting on Bridget. "Ms. Simpson, I've decided to go with your design. Don't disappoint me."